A real Nimitz-class US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is escorted to Busan port, south of Seoul. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

(Newser)
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The replica of an American aircraft carrier under construction in Iran is a mere movie prop, according to Iranian media. Iranian newspapers say the Nimitz-class replica spotted by satellites will appear in an upcoming movie about the downing of an Iran Air civilian plane by the USS Vincennes in 1988, reports Reuters. A US Navy spokesman admits the replica appeared "more akin to a Hollywood set than a warship," though officials earlier believed Iran planned to blow the fake ship up for propaganda purposes.

"The issue has turned into a good excuse for another wave of hype against Iran," complained an Iranian news website. "Without any proof or real basis, Western media have jumped again to paint a more negative picture of Iran." All 290 people on board were killed when the US shot down the Iranian jet, and new evidence suggests that Iran may have ordered the Lockerbie bombing the same year for revenge.